JMC books 38 shopkeepers for selling adulterated eatables

Tahir Mushtaq


JAMMU, May 31: Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) on Tuesday booked 38 shopkeepers for selling eatables in violation of Prevention of Food Adulteration Act. 

A team of food inspectors led by health officer Anwar Choudhary conducted surprise visits in various markets of the city and checked the quality of food items. 

They also inspected about 180 food establishments like sweet shops, cooked food dhabas, restaurants, rehries, tea stalls, milk and milk product shops, vendors, meat and chicken shops, ice cream shops, rehries, provision stores, sugar cane juice and cut fruit rehries, bakery shops in the areas of Below Gumat, Bikram Chowk, Satwari, Digiana, Nai Basti, Shastri Nagar, Jewel area, Canal Road, Talab Tillo. 

The drive was conducted on the instructions of the JMC Commissioner S C Sawhney. 
During the inspection 38 shopkeepers were booked under the provisions of Prevention of Food Adulteration Act 1954 and Municipal Corporation Act, 2000. 

An amount of Rs 12300 was charged as fine from the defaulters and about 70 kg of stale cooked food, bakery products, sweets, cut fruits, 60 liters of jaljeera, 30 liters of unwholesome milk and 20 kg of rotten fruits and vegetables which were not fit for human consumption were
destroyed on spot. 

The team also seized polythene carry bags from various food establishments and other outlets especially vegetable markets at Nai Basti. 

Besides, two persons who were smoking at Public Places were booked under Cigarette and Tobacco Act and Rs 200 was also realized as fine from them. 

Meanwhile, the Municipal Veterinary Officer along with field staff while continuing the drive against the use of polythene carry bags inspected the shops and other outlets in the areas of Kachi Chawani, Amphalla, New Plot, Janipur, Maheshpura, Sabzi Mandi, Canal Road and 
seized the polythene carry bags. 

The team also visited the meat shops at CPO Chowk area and imposed fine upon the defaulters who were selling the unstamped meat. The team had also lifted 19 stray animals from the areas of Panthirthi, CPO Chowk, Sarwal, Patoli, Nanak Nagar, Sanjay Nagar and Greater Kailash and impounded the stray animals in municipal cattle pound. 

A total fine of Rs 4700 was charged from the defaulters on spot.

World No Smoking Day

NoDespite ban, smoking still going on at public places

Tahir Mushtaq

JAMMU, May 30: Vendors selling tobacco products outside the outside hospitals and educational institutions are a common sight and authorities tend to overlook. 

This despite the fact that there is ban on the selling of the tobacco products outside these institutions. 

As the functions will mark the world tobacco day, question remain why no action is being taken against these people. 

Despite ban on smoking in public places, the violation is rampant in the city with many of the tea stalls and Dhabas near educational institutions providing space for smoking and students in groups could be seen blowing the cigarettes. 

The nationwide ban on smoking in public places was imposed in October 2008 under the provision of Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition and Advertisements and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution)-Act 2003. Later in 2007, the state government asked local bodies to strictly monitor the ban and take action against defaulters. 

“In the initial months the ban was enforced strictly and many people were fined by the authorities, but in past one year it seems authorities are sleeping. Concern is that youth below 18 years of age have open access to the tobacco products”, said Darshan Lal, a (retd) bank employee. 

“But still the ban on smoking in public places is not yet strictly enforced in Jammu as many people could easily be seen openly violating it, be it the busy markets like Raghunath Bazaar, Parade Market, Bus Stand or any state government office in Jammu city, people openly flout rules, without the threat of being caught or fined” he added. 

“If the government wishes to strictly ban all the tobacco products, first of all they should ban all the factories and industries which produce such products” said Rahul Sharma, a college student. 
Many Non Government Organisations (NGO) have also came forward to remove this from the society. 

One such NGO “Mashwara”, in Purkho Camp, which is working from the last 20 years for the cause to stop the consumption of tobacco.

Minister says action would be taken as per MCI guidelines

If proved guilty, Dr Sudan may not be able to continue as medico

Tahir Mushtaq

JAMMU, May 28: Dr Avinash Sudan, who had mercilessly beaten an attendant in the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) Jammu and faked injuries to cover up his misdeed, might not be able to continue the noble Medical Profession. 

The medical board which had been constituted to examine the MLC report of Dr Sudan has concluded that Dr Sudan had no injury of any kind, and all his claims pertaining to injuries inflicted by the poor attendant were wrong. 

With this, the problems have aggravated multi-fold for him. It is pertinent to mention here that the board of doctors had conducted Ultra sonography and other routine tests on Dr Sudan to ascertain whether he suffered the injuries or not. 

A senior medical consultant in GMC expressed that Dr Sudan might face some hard punishments in the days to come. The Medical Council of India (MCI) has laid down certain ethical norms for the medical practitioners. Dr Sudan, if proved guilty in the court of law, would certainly be punished for violating the ethics of medical profession. 

Besides facing criminal proceedings, he would be debarred from practicing medical as profession. 

When contacted, Minister for Medical Education R S Chib said, "Police has registered case under section 307 against the accused doctor. And we have also suspended from the duty and MD as well. If he would be proved guilty in the court of law, the department would also take action against vis-a-vis violating ethics of medical profession.

JMC launches drive against stray dogs in city

Tahir Mushtaq


JAMMU, May 26: Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) has finally waked up to the menace of stray dogs a as it has started a major drive to make city free of the 
canines. 

Officials said that on the pattern of the drive launched in Srinagar, the corporation is lifting the animals from various parts of the city and releasing them on the city outskirts. 

Though the drive was started few weeks back in some parts of the city, it has been now extended to almost all the localities on the repeated pleas by the residents. 

“Presence of huge number of canines has becoming a major threat for the people as stray many complains were being received about the dogs attacks, particularly during the evening hours”, said an official. 

The mushrooming of the residential colonies accompanying garbage dumps, in recent times, has given rise to massive increase in the population of dogs creating an unpleasant situation on the deserted streets and making it impossible for the people to pass. 

“Driving two wheeler during the night hours is like passing through the enemy territory, host of dogs follow you with ferocity and in many lead to accidents”, said Ravi Sharma, a college student. 

"At every corner these stray dogs are chasing pedestrians, which make it difficult for people, especially aged and school going students to move freely," said Wasim, resident of Gujjar Nagar. 

Many people believe that during past some years stray dogs have become a major menace in Jammu city as dozens are dog bite cases are reported every week from various localities. 

“If no step is taken against this problem, it will make the city quite unhealthy place to live in. Some immediate steps need to be taken to control the increase of population of dogs”, said Rupesh Kumar. 

A social activist Amrit Sharma said that it is impossible to enter a temple in the morning for prayers without facing the threat of being bitten by a dog. 

She further added that her children who go to tuitions early in the morning and late in the evening are terrified because of the ferocious dogs roaming around. 

When contacted, JMC Commissioner S.C Sawhney said that the campaign will continue as a regular feature. “Dog catch scouts are constituted which drop them outside the city limits, but in some cases them find their way back to their original place. 

“We are also trying other scientific ways to deal with the problem” added Sawhney.

Govt. to check impact of mobile towers on wildlife

Tahir Mushtaq


JAMMU, May 24: To check impact of mobile towers on environment, the forest department of the state government is going to examine the affect of the towers on ecological balance.

Generally, the telecom service providers enter into agreement with land owners for erection of towers where they have to seek permission from the concerned departments like forests, Municipal Authorities and Deputy Commissioner of the concerned district besides other concern departments.

According to the official source, the forest department after a thorough examination by the experts provides the clearance to different mobile companies. It is accorded under J&K Forest (Conservation Act), 1997 if such towers are to be installed on forest land for providing communication facility to the public.

Similarly, the proposal of diversion in respect of protected areas of wildlife department are cleared by strictly following the procedures as per J&K, Forest Conservation Act 1997, J&K State and Wildlife Protection Act 2002 and as per the orders of Supreme Court.

Source also disclosed that it is a fact that towers have been installed on a large scale by different cellular companies in the State.

“However, there is no established of adverse impact of the towers on the ecology, adding that studies research at national level are going on in the matter” he added.

When contacted Minister for Forest, Environment and Ecology, Mian Altaf Ahmad said that the department sent the proposal to the Pollution Control Department.

He further said that as soon the department gets reply from them we will take the next step in this regard. 

'We favour action but not without proper investigation'

Controversy over doctor act of violence deepens; sympathy continue to pour in for poor nomad


Tahir Mushtaq


JAMMU, May 15: The PG Doctors Association of Government Medical College today tried to do damage control exercise over the yesterday's incident in which a group of PG Doctors critically injured a patient's attendant. On one hand, the association expressed sympathy with the injured attendant and his family while, on other hand they demanded thorough probe into the incident to safeguard the members of their brethren.

Dr Neeraj Sharma, while addressing a press conference here today said,the yesterday’s incident was highly condemnable and termed it as unfortunate.

The security staff of the hospital alleged that the two security personnel who have been picked up by the police have no role in the beating of Nazir, an attendant.

Instead, they said, the arrested security men tried to save the attendant from the clutches of the angry doctor, who (doctor) is now under police custody.

However, Reports further added that the Gujjar community members also held a protest demonstration in the GMCH against the manhandling of the attendant by the doctors. They were heard shouting slogans against the hospital administration and doctors for their autocratic attitude towards the patients and their attendants.

It is pertinent to mention here that the atmosphere in Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) turned highly surcharged on Saturday as a group of 3 doctors mercilessly beat an attendant. The assault led to massive protest demonstration by the members of Gujjar community against the accused doctors demanding stringent action against them.

According to report, an 18 year old girl Saleema, daughter of Nazir Ahmed, was admitted in Emergency with snake bite on May 12. Her family alleged that she was given casual attention by the doctors on the duty. Next day, on May 13, she was shifted to Ward No 15. Where, again she was not given the due attention. On Saturday morning, her father requested the doctor on duty for some attention to the girl who was in acute pain.

This annoyed the doctor, who later called Nazir to his room and thrashed him severely along with two other doctors. Nazir received severe injuries in abdominal area and head. Reportedly, he suffered internal bleeding besides damage to liver.

After thrashing him, they took him to Police Post and leveled allegation of manhandling against them. He remained there for 2 hours. However, the on duty CMO Dr Shivani Malhotra, after realizing risk to the life of Nazir due to internal bleeding, get him operated. The operation took nearly 5 hours to complete. Thereafter, he was shifted to Recovery Ward with bleak chances of survival. Later, Police registered FIR number 68 under section 307 against the accused doctor. The main accused has been identified as Dr Avinash Sudan (pursuing PG in Medicine) while the name of two others were yet to be identified.

Police also launched hunt to nab the accused but all were absconding.

Minister for Medical Education R S Chib had assured that action will surely be taken against the doctors, if found guilty.

He also assured of best possible medicare to both father and daughter.

Medical tests conducted on Dr Sudan

Tahir Mushtaq

JAMMU, May 23: The Medical Board constituted by the Government Medical College (GMC) today conducted MRI, Ultrasonography and other routine tests on Dr Avinash Sudan, accused in the alleged assault on the attendant Nazir Choudhary recently.

Accused was brought to GMC at about 11 am by the police personnel where different tests were conducted on him by a team of doctors.

The board of doctors’ headed by HOD ENT, Dr Aniece Chowdhary, GMC, Jammu included HOD Surgery, Dr Rakesh Saraf, HOD Orthopedics, Dr Sudesh Sharma and Associate Professor, Medicine Dr Anil Mahajan, and Associate Professor, Dr Manju Gupta, as members, were also present there.

When contacted Dr Aniece Choudhary said that while the report of the MRI was normal, but report of other tests would be handed over to them tomorrow.

“We conducted different tests on the accused and they will be placed before the board on May 24. Only after that further action will be taken in the case”, said Dr Choudhary.

Dr Sudan is in police custody after he along with few hospital security personnel allegedly thrashed Nazir Choudhary, an attendant injuring him critically. Nazir is battling for his life in the hospital.

Dr Sudan also had some test yesterday in Shri Maharaja Gulab Singh (SMGS), Hospital in which he complained headache and pain in abdomen.

His bail application has already been rejected by a court, which observed that the doctor has been accused of a serious offence and the condition of the victim was still critical.

Sources said that in next few days, board will take decision in the case as it has recorded all the statements and gathered all the eyewitnesses account in the case.

Chib’s charity, seized ambulance providing service to the poor patients at GMC

Tahir Mushtaq 


JAMMU, May 20: On his surprise visit to Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Minister for Medical Education R S Chib ordered to seize a private ambulance of a social worker S N Dabogatra, this afternoon. 

According to the sources this social worker works for the benefits of the patients for the last some time and charges less sometime no charges from the patients to take them to their destination on his ambulance. 

Source disclosed this afternoon, when Chib visited GMC the Dabogatra approached him to informed him about some issues of hospital due to which patients are facing hardships. 

But instead of listening to his queries, minister asked for his identity. When Dabogatra disclosed his identity, Chib asked him for the registration certificate of his ambulance and license, after that he order to seize his ambulance, reason best knowing the to himself. 

Source maintained that there are only two government ambulances available in the hospital to cater majority of people, but when some social workers come forward to help the needy people, they why the administration has seized his ambulance. 

“At present the ambulance is in the custody of Bakshi Nagar Police Station” he added. 
Eye witnessed said that when minister order to seize the ambulance at time a patient was in the ambulance and about to move towards his home after discharging from hospital and he has to wait about 3 hours during this period. 

R S Chib could not be contacted even after repeating attempts. 

Whereas, Medical Superintendent, GMC Dr Romesh Gupta said he has no information about the matter as he reached late on the spot.

Darbar move: relief for overstressed traffic cops in Jammu

Tahir Mushtaq


JAMMU, May 19: As the seat of government has now shifted to Srinagar, it had brought some relief to the overstressed traffic cops, as burden of ensuring smooth VIP movement and maintaining regular traffic for last six months was giving them sleepless nights. 

Officials said that nearly 8,000 additional vehicles roaming the city during the winter months will now move back to valley plus the shifting of hundreds of other vehicles accompanying the cavalcades of politicians and bureaucrats will also relieve the cops from the additional jobs. 

“The Darbar move have given us some relief as most of the traffic cops were under intense pressure as we not only had to ensure smooth flow of daily traffic but the movement of VIPs even during the peak hours”, said a traffic inspector. 

Officials say that VIP movement was the main headache for the traffic department when the government was in winter capital as despite having very few cops at its disposal they had to ensure free movement of the politicians, bureaucrats and other high security people. 

Senior traffic officer said that during the Darbar his men had to deal with so many things, ensuring the daily pace of life, smooth functioning of VIP vehicles and keeping the city roads open for any eventuality. 

“We were under pressure but it is part of duty but shifting of secretariat has given some relief to my men”, he said. 

Not only this even some roads which remain closed for civilian movement during six months will now open up till the government again shifts to Jammu in October. 
“There were so many restrictions on parking, using some roads junctions, but at least these restrictions will now end”, said a local resident Mohammad Ayub. 

This year the people and the traffic police also had to face the bad condition of the roads which had overstretched the existing arteries, “Most of the roads were dug out by different departments and the shortcuts available to the people remained closed which also put pressure on main junctions in the city”, said SSP. 

It is pertinent to mention here that Jammu already is hosting 4-lakh vehicles and every traffic cop has around 1400 vehicles on his head. Sources said that at present there are close to 300 traffic police personnel and officers deployed in Jammu to deal with the traffic management. 

In terms of the expansion, Jammu has become a mega city of the state as it has become not only a major economic hub but also a magnet for the people from other parts of the state. 

However officials said that this relief could be short-lived as they will now have to deal with the Amarnath yatra during with thousands of more vehicles enter the city of temples.

GMC doctors mercilessly beat poor nomad; cause critical injuries

Gujjars hold massive demonstration; Govt assures action

Tahir Mushtaq

JAMMU, May 14: The atmosphere in Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) turned highly surcharged here this afternoon as a group of 3 doctors mercilessly beat an attendant. The assault led to massive protest demonstration by the members of Gujjar community against the accused doctors demanding stringent action against them. Sensing gravity of the situation, the police officials reached the spot and called additional force from Police Line to control the situation. However, the protesters didn’t turn violent. According to report, an 18 year old girl Saleema, daughter of Nazir Ahmed, was admitted in Emergency with snake bite on May 12. Her family alleged that she was given casual attention by the doctors on the duty. Next day, on May 13, she was shifted to Ward No 15. 

Where, again she was not given the due attention. Today morning, her father requested the doctor on duty for some attention to the girl who was in acute pain. 

This annoyed the doctor, who later called Nazir to his room and thrashed him severely along with two other doctors. Nazir received severe injuries in abdominal area and head. 

Reportedly, he suffered internal bleeding besides damage to liver. After thrashing him, they took him to Police Post and leveled allegation of manhandling against them. He remained there for 2 hours. However, the on duty CMO Dr Shivani Malhotra, after realizing risk to the life of Nazir due to internal bleeding, get him operated. The operation took nearly 5 hours to complete. Thereafter, he was shifted to Recovery Ward with bleak chances of survival. 

On receipt of information, large number of people from Gujjar community reached Hospital and staged massive demonstration there. They were demanding strict action against the accused doctors. After that, Police registered FIR number 68 under section 307 against the accused doctor. The main accused has been identified as Dr Avinash (pursuing PG in Medicine) while the name of two others were yet to be identified. Police also launched hunt to nab the accused but all were absconding. 

Accidentally, the Divisional Commissioner Dr Pawan Kotwal reached the Hospital to inquire the well being of DC Poonch’s son. He was taken by the protesting Gujjars to Recovery Ward to show the condition of Nazir. 

Later huge contingent of police led by SP City North and SDPO Shiv Kumar Chowan rushed to the spot and they tried to pacify the protesters, while the corridor of the recovery ward was fortified to avoid any unwanted incident. 

Dr Kotwal assured the people of action against the accused. He also assured of providing best medicare to the injured. 

When contacted, Minister for Medical Education R S Chib said action will surely taken against the doctors, if found guilty. He assured that best possible medicare would be provided to both father and daughter.

He added that responsibility of the incident will be fixed on Hospital Administration as well.

Cancer alarm in Jammu region: GMC receives 1350 case in 2009-2010

Tahir Mushtaq


JAMMU, Jan 28: In what could be termed as alarming situation, in past six months Regional Cancer Centre at Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu has registered nearly 1350 cancer patients, which has even amazed the doctors at the premier hospital, about the constantly rising number of patients every year in the Jammu and Kashmir. 

Head of the Centre, Dr Ashutosh Gupta said that there has been 20 to 30 per cent rise in the number of patients every year in the state and it is matter of concern. “ In past over a decade the number of cancer cases have rose alarmingly which is issue of concern and we have to deal with large number of people who are detected with Lung, stomach, throat and cervical cancer”, said Dr Gupta. 

The GMC had registered about 1,400 cancer patients in 2009 alone an alarming rise as in 2004, the number of new cancer cases in J&K was reported to be at 1,164. As per the data state has been witnessing an increasing number of cancer cases–up from 803 in 1997 to over 1,300 in 2007. 

Data further says that the state reported 1,266 cancer cases in 2006, 1,185 in 2005, 1,168 in 2004, 1,058 in 2003. Between 1998 to 2002, the number of cancer cases had jumped around 6.3 per cent–937 in 1998, 901 in 1999, 952 in 2000 and 996 in 2002. 

“Most of the patients belong to Jammu province, mostly from Jammu, Udhampur, Kathua Changed lifestyle is main reason for this unexpected rise is changed lifestyle and pollution”, said Gupta. 

It is pertinent to mention here that GMC has recently purchased Brachytherapy cancer treatment apparatus in the hospital at the cost of Rs 2 crore to fight against the increasing number of patients with cervical cancer. 

Brachytherapy is an advanced cancer treatment in which radioactivity seeds or sources are placed in the near the tumour itself, giving a high radiation dose to it while reducing the radiation exposure in the surrounding healthy tissues. 

“In our part of the country, like last year, we analyzed lung cancer was number one, followed by throat cancer then cancer of the food pipe, then stomach in male population, and then again in female population, we found cancer of cervix,” added Gupta. 

Importantly mentioned that the basic symptoms of the cancer included blood in the urine, pain in the bone or swelling around the affected site; fractures in bones abnormal eye movements or changes in vision, a lump or thickening of the breast, rectal bleeding (red blood in stools or black stools), lump in kidney area, change in mole or other bump on the skin, painless swelling in the lymph nodes in the neck. 

AIDS alarm: 2010 showed decreased HIV positive cases

Tahir Mushtaq


JAMMU, Jan 27: There is some good news for the state, the number of AIDS cases have shown down ward trend. As per the official data, in 2009, the number of HIV cases were was 501 whereas from April 2010 to December 2010 the positive has decreased to 281. 

Official sources disclosed that as compared to other states of India Jammu and Kashmir state has very less in AIDS cases. 

When contacted Director AIDS Control Dr Waseem Qureshi said that efforts have been made to reduce the AIDS effected people in the state.

And the government has established many such centres across the state who is working for the AIDS patients. 

According to the sources, officially now the figurers have reached to 1811 (2009) from 1600 cases in 2007, which is a worrisome situation for the state health officials as they fear that there may be thousands of more ‘hidden patients’, who are yet to be identified. 

Sources said that although state has been categorized among the toppers in the awareness states in the country, but most of the it is concentrated to cities and some towns while rural area have not received much attention, leaving hundreds of people undetected, who may be acting as career of the disease in view of the poor health infrastructure in the far-flung areas of Jammu and Kashmir. 

Dr Qureshi said, “It was because of efforts of the society that hidden patients are being detected so that careers are identified”. 

On detection of such a large number of cases Dr. Qureshi said, “This is worry but their detection is good for our efforts as they have now been identified and we could prevent further transmission through them and provide medical aid”. 
According to the sources although awareness campaigns, seminars and exhibitions are being held across the state but they cannot prevent the spread of HIV as they have become more of the media events rather than reaching out to the highly risk categories. 

An official associated with the prevention programme said that figures with the government are those which have come forward for tests or have been detected during the routine testing, but hundreds of others have still not covered by the authorities. 

“We are educating the educated people while the high risk category is finding least attention from the programmes. No work has been done on sex workers, truck drivers and a drug user which is major source of transmission in the state”, a source associated with the society said.

CM Grievance Cell much short of expectation

Tahir Mushtaq


JAMMU: At every sphere the state government claims to provide better facility and to respond to queries of people of the state. But these claims seem only on papers but not in actual practice.


There are many such examples which show that all the huge claims of the state government are just an eye wash. 
One such glaring example is The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Grievance Cell having official website www.jkgrievance.nic.in meant for resolving the problems of common masses and resolving them in minimum time.

But this cell is not fulfilling the purpose. It was started in September 2009 and till the date the cell has received more than 17500 applications from different parts of the state.

But the response for this heavy bunch of application is just to the tune of 20 per cent, while the rest of the complaints are pending since long.


Raman Sharma said that he had filed about 40 applications in grievance cell, but got the response of only one complaint. He further said that for complaint numbers 15316 and 16517, he had sent 14 reminders to the concerned department but still no action has been taken by the concerned department so far.

He also said that the grievance cell is just an eye wash made to befool the common masses. Other applicant Nisar Ahmed Najar, an unemployed youth from Srinagar, said that he had filed the application on 3 April 2010 but still didn't get any response.

He said that this cell was meant to resolve the problems of those not having approach to the higher echelons of power, but nothing seems like that.

It is pertinent to mention here that this chief minister grievance cell was made to overcome day to day troubles of common masses, but instead this cell is harassing the masses.

Purchase of 25 Critical Care Ambulances hangs in balance

Who cares for CM’s Grievance Cell, at least Health Deptt doesn’t

Tahir Mushtaq

JAMMU, Jan 11: The menace of corruption is looming so large over the Health Department that it is even ignoring the repeated directions of the CM’s Grievance Cell seeking clarification over the purchase process of the 25 Critical Care Ambulances. The Jammu and Kashmir Hospital and Institutional Contractors Alliance had registered a complaint on October 21, 2010 with CM’s Grievance Cell alleging therein that the department had flouted the norms in framing the tender conditions. 

According to official sources, the health department had issued tenders to purchase 25 Critical Care Ambulances, but the contractors alleged the department has given the benefits to their good ones. The institutional contractors blaming that the department’s has given the tenders illegally to those who didn’t complete the formalities or were not eligible for filling the tenders. 

They also blamed that even there are two tenders filed by the same agency. The intention of the department is to swindle the funds through shabby tender process. The opinion of the experts, who were included in the Purchase Committee, was not given due consideration while framing the NIT conditions, they alleged. Even the representatives from the private firms were unhappy with the conditions during their pre-tender meeting. 

The alliance had registered complaint to the CM’s Grievance Cell on October 21 last year alleging therein that the department had flouted the norms in framing the tender conditions, but didn’t get any positive response. 

The cell forwarded many reminders to the health department about the queries of alliance group, but didn’t get any reply from the department’s officials. The controversy over the purchase of 25 Critical Care Ambulances has not only deferred the purchase unnecessarily but also put the people at disadvantage. It is pertinent to mention here that the hospitals of Jammu lack this Ambulance facility owing to which many of the critically injured persons have lost their lives during the past several years. Critical Care Ambulance is equipped with ventilator and monitor which secures safe transfer of critically injured patients to other hospitals for specialized treatment.

Checking misuse of drinking water, meters still distant dream in J&K

Tahir Mushtaq


JAMMU, Feb 7: Few months ago the state government has passed a bill to generate the tax for water supply in Public Health Engineering (PHE) department, for that they announced to installed water meter in all the parts of the state. But still these announcements are pending due to one reason or other. 

The Bill was passed by the state Assembly by a voice vote after it was introduced for consideration and passing by PHE Minister Taj Mohiuddin. 

Its intent was to check the misuse of the drinking water by the people, as in recent years most parts of the state are facing scarcity of water due to over exploitation and population growth. 

When contacted, Chief Engineer PHE Dalip Bakshi said that the water meter has not installed till now. “Installation process will start soon and we are making arrangements for the same”. 

Despite the fact that Jammu and Kashmir is having thousands of glacier fed rivers and streams, but in recent years due to affect of global warming and ruthless exploitation of the water bodies, most of them are receding. 

In most parts of the city, people are facing acute shortage of water during the summer and most parts of winter. 

For past over seven year there is sharp decline in the rainfall and snowfall across all the three regions of the state which has also affected the farming. Added to this is the rapid urbanization and industrializations, which has polluted the water bodies.According to the data, though state has so far used only 16 per cent of the ground water available in the state and Government want to conduct a comprehensive study of its water resources. State is also studying another new concept of 'water budgeting' so as to brace up with the actual demand and requirement of drinking water in the years to come. 

"We have also decided to use water meters in Jammu and Srinagar cities in the first phase to check the misuse of drinking water", said Minister. 

The water metering will be taken up under Urban Infrastructure Development in Small and Medium Towns and Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). "We have also decided to revise the water tax in the State so that the concept of judicious use of water is implemented", said a official.

To cope with 1 crore target

Work on the third track at Vaishno devi to start soon


Tahir Mushtaq


JAMMU, Feb 15: To ease pressure on existing two routes to reach Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, the Shrine board has decided to build new 7 km track from Ban Ganga. The new route will be built at the cost of one crore.

According to the officials, the new track will be specially used for animal transportation and delivery of essential commodities which at present use the tracks used by pilgrims to reach the Shrine.

The new track will start from Banganga through Tarakot Mountains to Himkot and will meet the existing track at Ardhkumari. “The survey has been completed and the work has started on the project and it is expected to be completed till next year. Most of the animal transport will be diverted towards it”, said Mandeep Bhandari, Additional Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Shrine Board.

It is pertinent to mention here that with number of annual pilgrim to the cave shrine of Vaishno Devi expected to reach one crore mark in coming years, the shrine board has made a new master plan to accommodate the rush and to revamp the present infrastructure which proving unable to deal with the pilgrim rush.

The new master plan includes construction of the new Bus Stand Katra and modernizing the existing one, completing the new Katra-Ban Ganga Road Project and Darshni Deodi to Balini Bridge road.

At present there is no separate mule track and it create problem for the people as they have to share the approach route to the Shrine with them.

Additional CEO said that number of new projects will be taken up in coming months keeping in view projected pilgrim in coming years. It is pertinent to mention here that Shrine received about 68 lakh pilgrims in 2008. In 2007, this figure was 74.17 lakh while in 2006, the yatra stood at 69.50 lakh.

Pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi was just 13.95 lakh in 1986 when Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDB) had taken over management of the cave shrine. Since then, it has been going up barring slight decline in some years. Till 1998 there was only one track and in 2000 a new approach road was constructed by the Board.

It is pertinent to mention here that Board is also planning new helipads on 13 km track. The shrine, nestled in the Himalayas at a height of 5,200 foot above sea level, has been on the target list of terrorists.

TB cases on rise in Jammu, despite Govt efforts to contain them

Tahir Mushtaq


JAMMIU, Mar 24: Despite of various efforts made by the government, the number of tuberculosis patients in Jammu region has increased in past five years. 

As per the official record in 2006 the number of Tuberculosis (TB) patients was 2059, whereas the figure of patients increased in 2010 upto 3174 in Jammu province. The cases in Kashmir province in the year 2006 was 827, but exceeded to 1476 in year 2010. 

Health department are making every possible efforts to overcome the life threatening diseases in the state, but the strength of effected patients rapidly increasing more in Jammu region than in Kashmir. 

As per the report in Jammu region the TB cases as in last year recorded in district Doda there were about 1002 cases of TB, in Kathua the cases were 1006, in district Poonch 551 TB cases were record, in Rajouri 815 cases were recorded, whereas in district Udhampur there were 1287 cases of TB. 

The concern authorities has established Directly Observed Treatment (DOT) centre in different part of the state to treat the TB patients. Under this scheme the concern doctor take the saliva sample of the patients for test, and if the reports come positive then they refer the patients to the nearest DOT centre for further treatment. 
Government also launched several awareness campaigns in the far flung areas of the state, besides awaring the common masses. 

When contacted District Tuberculosis Officer (DTO), Jammu Dr Poonam Mahajan said that the department has received 500 TB cases from the starting of this year to till date. 

She further said that the department organized numerous camps under ‘Operation Tapasya’ to spread awareness particularly in slum areas in different part of Jammu district. 

She explained that people belongs to slums are not so health conscious, moreover the environment is not eco-friendly. So people from these areas need to be aware more. 

It is pertinent to mention here that the cases of Cancer are also on rise in Jammu region with GMC registering about 1,400 cancer patients in 2009 alone an alarming rise as in 2004, the number of new cancer cases in J&K was reported to be at 1,164. As per the data state has been witnessing an increasing number of cancer cases–up from 803 in 1997 to over 1,300 in 2007. 

Data further says that the state reported 1,266 cancer cases in 2006, 1,185 in 2005, 1,168 in 2004, 1,058 in 2003. Between 1998 to 2002, the number of cancer cases had jumped around 6.3 per cent–937 in 1998, 901 in 1999, 952 in 2000 and 996 in 2002.

Sensing trouble ahead, administration doing last minute checks to its preparations

Tahir Mushtaq


JAMMU, May 7: Amid the warning of some organizations opposing the reduction of the yatra period, administration is giving final shape to its plans for the smooth conduct of the Shri Amarnath pilgrimage to high Himalayas. 

Officials said last minute checks are being made of different facilities created for the pilgrims who will visit Jammu and Kashmir during the upcoming summer months. To deal with any security issue additional security forces have been brought in the state. 

It is important to mention here that registration will start from May 10 at 149 J&K bank branches across the country including 121 branches in the state, 24 branches of YES Bank and 4 branches of District Cooperative Banks will also give registration slips. 

The J&K braches in Jammu includes J&K Bank Bakshi Nagar, Gandhi and Tourist Reception Centre, whereas in Srinagar the branches comprises Air Cargo, Dal Gate, Amira Kadal, Karan Nagar and Bazar Batamoloo besides this, the branches in Kathua, Poonch, Pul Doda, Rajouri, Ramban and Udhampur also provide registration facility for the pilgrims. 

The concerning banks are also busy in making all the arrangements for the smooth working during registration time. 

“We are making all such preparations including stalls of drinking water, tea besides police security which is needed during registration days” said Ravi Sharma Manager incharge of J&K Bank Gandhi Nagar. 

The board has also take decision that this year’s Yatra shall commence simultaneously, along Baltal and Chandanwari routes, on June 29 and culminate on Raksha Bandhan, on August 13. 

At the same time there are apprehension that some of the religious and political parties may start agitation against the decision of the board to reduce the yatra period. State president Shri Ram Sena (SRS) Rajiv Mahajan said that government should not reduce 15 days from yatra, as it will hurt the sentiments of the Hindus across the world. 

“The Governor and Chief Minister of the state are only making Geelani happy and neglecting the aspirations of others”, Mahajan added. 

When contacted Divisional Commissioner, Jammu Pawan Kotwal said that the department are making all such arrangements which are required for the smooth functioning of yatra. 

Kotwal further said that all the concerning departments are in process to provide their best this year also. 

He also said that the department arranging all the things needed for yatra like medical aid, food facility and security arrangements.

Super specialty hospital misses April deadline

Tahir Mushtaq

JAMMU, May 6: Once again the Super Specialty Hospital of Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu missed its deadline and now hopefully the construction work would be completed till June 30 this year, as the executing agency Central Public Works Department (CPWD) asked the state government for some extra time to complete the project. 

Initially set to be completed in the year 2008, it is for the fourth time that the executing agency has sought extension to complete the mega project in Jammu. 

The proposed hospital, on completion will have six super specialties, including Cardiology, Cardio Thoracic Surgery, Urology, Neurology, Neuro Surgery and Nephrology. 

This is not the first time when the government has not achieved its target, but many times before the deadline has been extended to launch the super specialty hospital. Approved in February 2004 by the then Union Government and started during the then Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad led coalition Government, the hospital, which will be part of the GMC Jammu, has fails to achieve many deadlines. 

The construction of the hospital was approved in February 2004 by the then Union Government and work on the project was started during the tenure of Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad. For the Rs 120 crore project, state has received Rs 100 crore from the centre, while Rs 20 crore were contributed by the state government. 

Talking to TNI, Minister for Medical Technical Education, R S Chib said that the government has issued a final warning to the CPWD to complete the work by March 2011, but again CPWD asked for extra time till June 30. 

He further said that hopefully the super specialty hospital will be functional in the starting of July this year. 

Chib also said CPWD setup a modular Operation Theater (OT) in the said hospital due to which it takes some additional time to complete.

Centre approves Rs 43 crore for upgradation of hospitals in J&K

Tahir Mushtaq


JAMMU, May 4: The centre government has sanctioned 43 crore rupees for the repairing of the associate hospitals of Government Medical Colleges in Jammu and Srinagar. 

Official source said that resources are mobilized to start the work next fiscal year and the centre has sanctioned crores of rupees for the same project. 

Sources said that every year routine repairs of assets of Medical Colleges including associated hospitals Jammu /Srinagar are carried out of Plan and Non-Plan funds allocated every year. 

He disclosed that during 2010-11 Rs. 3.25 crores and Rs. 1.09 crore were made available for Medical Colleges and associated hospitals Jammu and Srinagar respectively for the said purpose. 

It is pertinent to mention here there is a great need to renovate these hospitals as from the long time no such work has been done, due to which patient suffers. 

In many departments of hospitals there are lacks of proper infrastructure beside shortage of space to accommodate the patients coming from different parts of the state for treatment, due to which two or three patients has to adjusted on one bed. 

“At different time the department has sent proposal for the repairing of the hospitals of medical colleges but the concern administration is not doing anything till date” said an insider. 

“Whenever we come for the treatment in hospital we have to face difficulties as there are no proper water arrangements, moreover the toilets are also not properly cleaned” said a patient Kavita Kumari. 
When contacted Minister for Medical Education, R S Chib said that the work for repairing the hospitals is under process. 

He further said the centre has sanctioned 43 crore for the said work. 

“As paper work completed the department will start working on it soon”, he added. 

J&K Government is implementing an ambitious Rs 200 crore Hospital upgradation project since last three years under the Prime Ministers Swasthya Surakshya Yojana to elevate the two hospitals to the level of best medical institutes in the country is likely to bring state hospitals at par with the (AIIMS).

Govt proposes separate engineering wing for hospitals

Tahir Mushtaq


JAMMU, April 29: With frequent technical problems in the diagnostic and life supporting equipments and their repair becoming a major problem for the authorities, the state government is contemplating to set up separate bio-medical engineering departments for overcoming this problem. 

According to the reports, out of 101 major equipments installed in different departments of Medical College, Jammu in which 95 are functional. It is pertinent to mention here that Department of IT, Government of India has already opened two branches of DOACC in the State, one each in Jammu and Srinagar which is the only existing repair centers for such equipments. 

Officials said that in recent years, state has purchased a large number of sophisticated medical equipment, particularly diagnostic machines, but in absence of required maintenance, many of them are gathering dust. 

The problem is more acute in health centres at district level, which had to face a major problem in case of any fault. “At times the machines remain out of order for days and weeks together as there is no engineering staff to take care of these. 

Either these are to be send outside the state, or engineers had to be brought from 
private manufactures which is very cumbersome process”, complaints an official. 

When contacted, Minister for Medical Education, R. S Chib said “We intend to open bio- medical engineering department in these institutions for updating the latest diagnostic equipments on daily basis. 

Proposal has been sent to the centre. It has become necessary as new big hospitals are coming up in the state which means added responsibility”. 

He said that to upgrade the patient care facilities in the State, it is necessary to open a separate wing in these institutions to ensure the maintenance of equipments purchased since past few years and new ones to be brought in future. 

Officials said that out of 101 major equipments installed in different departments of Medical College, Jammu nearly 95 are functional, while remaining need minor or major repair. “This is a major headache as when any equipment develops some snag, we have to wait for the repair work for days together as we don’t have much trained staff. At times just a minor fault puts the machine out of order for days”, said the insiders. 

The proposed super specialty hospitals which is expected to be thrown open in June this year will have six super specialties, including Cardiology, Cardio Thoracic Surgery, Urology, Neurology, Neuro Surgery and Nephrology. “For these a number of imported equipments are needed and to keep them functional requires a well trained engineering team”, official said. 

Nearly 120 crore have been invested on these hospitals so far in Jammu and Kashmir.